Trivia questions

Our Group The Source has been blogging about Kanye West all semseter.

We want to test your skills so we've come up with a few trivia questions

During our presentation we will be asking you to answer them for us

Question number 1

How much is Kanye West worth on the forbes list?

Answer: Kayne West is worth $37 million

Question number 2
What famous tv celebrtiy is Kanye West dating?
Answer: Kim Kardashian 

Question number 3
How many albums has Kanye released?
Answer: 7 albums

Question number 4
What does Kanye West do besides rapping?
 Answer:
record producer, music video director, film director, and  fashion designer

Question number 5
Who can rap the chorus of No Church in the Wild
Human beings in a mob
"What’s a mob to a king?
What’s a king to a God?
What’s a god to a non-believer?
Who don’t believe in anything?"

Question number 6
How does kanye West use E-Marketing to build his fanbase?
Answer: He uses twitter to promote his songs and allows
 his fans to download a new song every friday.
On August 22nd, 2010, at 5:20 am Kanye send out a tweet about his new “Good Fridays” plan. The idea was that he would create a brand new song for his listeners to download every single Friday.
 
Question number 7
What was Kanye West sued for?
Answer: Sampling songs

Nikia Trapp

Oldie, but Goodie!

This week I decided to stop stocking Ye' for once (and honestly, did not find anything else to write about), but that is nor here or there. Besides, part of writing a blog is to release your personal thoughts and feelings, so here you go:

"This is the very 1st video and song that I saw and heard from Kanye West. Since then, I have loved and respected Kanye's music".

He has disappointed me in a few instances, but I feel he has been through so much that sometimes being the way he is, is really the only way he can express his true emotions. 

Hope you guys enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPzmY8sBOUQ

-Fernando Navarrete

How to find Kanye West Merchandise

Image taken from kanyeuniversecity.com

There is a website where you can find all of Kanye's Merchandise.

They sell mostly T-shirts but you can also find posters and other apperal

at kanyeuniversecity.com

If you thinking about buying anything from the site for someone

but you don't know what they would like there is an electronic gift certificate     

which allows shoppers to decide what they want to buy.

They have some really interesting designs for clothing that most fans can appreciate.

The website is sponsored by Bravado Merchandising and Universal Music 

Posted by Nikia Trapp

"Complex" Magazines full interview with G.O.O.D. music

The other day i was in the waiting room of a tire repair shop (my tire had picked up a nail), when i happened to pick up one of the magazines sitting on the coffee table.  Low and behold it was Complex Magazine (created by Marc Ecko), and on its cover dawned an ominous dark silohoutte of Kanye and his Company in a crucifix formation with the play on words "IN G.O.O.D WE TRUST" written on the bottom.  Yes this is a true story about my poor car and yes the cover was that bold.  

 

Despite the Magazines title there was nothing complex about the article at all.   The article was in fact an interview between all of the G.O.O.D cohorts (excluding Kanye).  As i read most of the questions had to do with how Kanye is involved in their projects and how he brings them all together.  The all answered in various ways but everyone's message seemed to be the same.  The all praised Kanye in everything from his producing skills to his insight on their albums, to how much creative space he gives all of them.  Kid Cudi and Common even stated that Kanye told them their stuff was not good and to change it and they appreciated the feedback.   This Kanye-Glorifying Fest went on for about 3 pages.

Without a doubt this is a testament of how talented Kanye is and how much these artists respect him.  (Or its written in their contracts somewhere that they have to love Kanye in every interview).  All joking aside i do believe that these artists understand that and repect Kanye for his genius.  They all seemed very happy to be a part of what he has created and what he plans to create in the future.

From a marketing standpoint, if you think about it, ALL of these highly accredited artists (Kid Cudi, Pusha-T, John Legend, Q-Tip, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Common) are saying how great Kanye is in an magazine catered to this specific target market audience.  It is an excellent way to produce more popularity and credibility by association to fans of these other artists.  As if Kanye needed any more help!

Read the whole interview here:
http://goo.gl/ySYSV

-Daniel Dresser

Kanye West and Kim plan a Clothing line Together

Kanye West is set to bring out his new clothing line, KW. Below is a video of a run way show in Paris, for his Spring 2012 collection:


http://youtu.be/W9tIHv1HVUM

 

 

 

A new rumor has hit the media, that Knye and Kim plan to set their own clothing line:

 

 

http://preview.tinyurl.com/aablgzn

- Fernando Navarrete



Kanye West song To the World ft R Kelly

If you haven't already listened to Kanye's new song To the world ft R Kelly then you should. Today is an importatnt day for voters. In the song Kanye is basically talking about his social status and how mit Romney doesnt pay taxes. I can't say that I'm a fan of the song but i can say it was pretty smart for him to stay political especially around this time where people are deciding on who to vote for.
Another famous rapper to talk about Mit Romney in a song was Nicki Minaj who say she was only being sarcastic. She supports Obama and even tweeted it. I dont know exactly who Kanye is with as far our next president but “Mitt Romney don’t pay no tax" is what he said in his song.

We all remeber how he felt about our last president George Bush has he changed his views about white politicians?


Nikia Trapp

How Much is Kanye West Worth?

Kanye West is at #45 on the forbes list and is worth $37 million. Not all musicians can say the same but this year a few young artsit including Taylor have already topped Kanye's number. At #11 on the forbes list Taylor Swift is worth $57 million. Her new album Red sold $1 million in its first week.  The album that Kanye made the most from was The Throne a collaborative album with Jay-Z. It sold 436,000 copies in its first week also putting Jay-Z at #38 on the Forbes list. He still is doing
a lot better than most but it's success in his career that will determine how much he is worth in the future.

 

 

 

 

posted by Nikia Trapp

I Often Buy $2,000 Wigs!!!!

Four days before Hurricane Sandy released her rage down the East Coast, Kim Kardashian hosted 2nd Midori Green Halloween in New York, were  Kanye West attended.

Kanye dressed up as a sailor and his girlfriend Kim, she complimented him by being a mermaid. Along with her outfit, she wore a $2,000 blonde wig!!!

Sources say Kanye repeatedly acknowledge how much he liked the blonde hair (wig) on Kim.

Kanye, wore simple white pants and a strip navy and white long sleeve, with red slippers. I believe you can consider his "costume" a modern day sea-man.

After Kanye's craves of her blonde makeover, Kim is considering keeping her blonde hair just bit longer.












Source: http://www.people.com/people/0,,,00.html




Fernando Navarrete

Yo Taylor...I'll let you finish

Definitely one of the most memorable interruptions of all time. Some thought what he did was funny, others were upset by his actions. Honestly, how would you feel if you were interrupted like that?

Technically, we are. Interruption marketing is everywhere, from spam in our inbox to youtube, even when you're walking through the mall. With new inventions like DVRs, TV onDemand, and netflix, people have the option of watching their favorite shows with little or no commercial breaks. If people aren't watching commercials, how are advertisers going to get their messages across? They're going to interrupt you. When you're walking through the mall talking with your friend, a sales person will come interrupt you and try to sell you some make up or perfume.

One thing marketers have learned from Kanye, if people aren't paying attention, get up and make them. Go to where people are paying attention, say you need to, and let them finish.

Source: Marketing Kanye West Style

Celebrities who attended the 16th annual Angel Ball

 

    Yesterday the 16th annual Angle Ball was held at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. Many celebrities were there in support of the cause to help raise money for cancer research. The Angel Ball originated from the Gabrielle Angle foundation. In 1996 a woman named Gabrielle Rich Aouad was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia and it was her last wish that this foundation would be created to find a cure for cancer. Every year celebrities donate money and this year they raised  $3.7 million. 

 

Kim and Kanye both made an appearance at the Ball and dressed well for the occasion.

Nelly and Ashanti were also there last night both wearing black. Other celebrities that attended this event were Solange, Tina Knowles, Wendy Williams, and Angela Simmons.

 

 

Nikia Trapp

 

 

Will Kim be a Fiance before her 32nd birthday???!!!

There are many rumors that Kim Kardashian and Yezzy might seal the deal very, very soon.

In the past, Kanye has descrived Kim as the perfect "women", to put it in a professional terms. He is waiting for the perfect opportunity to propose, according to outside sources.

The couple has been spotted several times together, always very happy with each other.

One question I may ask: Is it to soon for Kim to re-marry? has she not forgotten about the disaster and short time spand of her last marriage? (72 days). You figure she would learn from her past mistakes, right? I guess that's a story we will have to wait and see, or will we??? It may be sooner that we think.

Let's just hope that for Kanye and Kim, their prospective marriage can last more 72 days.

 Source:   http://tinyurl.com/9tuxcra




Fernando Navarrete

A closer look at Kanyes Official Site

Well actually theres not much to look at.  Kanye has set up his site with very little to no text (scripted in red) accompanied with a plain black background.  On the side you can see a downward column of icons that when clicked on, enlarge and turn into a song or video featuring Kanye or one of his affiliates .  Aside from a few dates for album releases and "reshare" buttons thats all that is on his site.  No advertisements on the side, no other pages to be sent to.  Very minimal and to the point.

Taking a look at it from a marketing perspective is this a good decision or a bad one?  Certainly Kanye's site must generate a good amount of traffic that can be useful to advertisers and other third parties.  But it looks like Kanye is taking an approach that reminds me very much like the company apple.  The similar ideas when it comes to simplicity. user-friendly, and a little bit of mystery can be seen in this site.  Either way its rare to see  and i personally enjoy it.

Check it out for yourself here.

Source: kanyewest.com


- Daniel Dresser

Kanye: Everywhere and Nowhere

This year Kanye's had a lot on his plate, from keeping up with a Kardashian to working on his shoe line to releasing a new album. Other than his public relationship with Kim, we don't hear to much about the other stuff he's working on unfortunately. Kim's marketing team (well her mom) ensures Kim is in the limelight and right now, Kayne is mostly known through his association with her. Maybe he should stay off her show for a week and focus on making sure his name is out there and associated with his work. Compared to his last 2 album releases, Cruel Summer sold 200k less copies than the others in their opening week. Something is missing...and I bet it's marketing. He's not pushing his stuff like he used to.

Dont Mess With Kanye West

Kim and Kanye were last seen out in Miami on 10/14/12 at the Prime 112 resturant. Kim wore a very revealing outfit. That same evening Kim bumped into her Ex Reggie Bush and his new girlfreind. Awkard but nothing was worse than when paparzi asked Kim to congradulate Reggie Bush's girlfriend who is pregnant with his baby. Leave it to paparzi to piss off celebrities. Kanye being Kanye decides to grab the camera from Paparzi before they got in the car. I found the recoding of that night at http://tinyurl.com/96mrs9g but you can also click on this link to watch the video yourself. http://tinyurl.com/8fgbmmn

And here is a picture of Kanye and the paprazzi
 

Nikia Trapp

Presidential Candidate Kim Kardashian and First LAD YE???!

"Her Campus", an online magazine, targeted at college women recently released a pole to vote which Kardashian would make the "best" president. Khloe Kardashian was voted with the highest probability of being the best candidate for president. Her voice of reason has been the authority that has neautralize the "stressful issues" the every day life of a Kardashian has to go through (of course I say this with upmost and sincere sarcasm, because we all know there is nothing serious or significant about the life of a Kardashian).



Not surpringsingly at all, Kim came in second to last, only beating her teenage sisters by 1%.











Can you picture a world were Kim is president and Kanye is 1st gentleman?????? I think not!


http://tinyurl.com/8lwetwd


Fernando Navarrete

Kanye West has multiple new projects in the works!

Earlier this May, Mike Dean (producer of the acclaimed "Watch the Throne" album between Jay Z and Kanye) confirmed that there is in fact a "Watch the Throne 2" album slated to be in the works.  Although no time period of completion was given, the reassurance of a sequel between the rockafella duo seemed to be all fans needed to hear as the news spread quickly.

And if that wasn't enough for you music junkies trying to get your Kanye fix, Q-Tip (former member of Tribe Called Quest) leaked a strong hint that we should be prepared to indulge our ears for yet another cruel season.  After being asked in an interview by MTV News at the BET awards a few weeks ago why he wasn't featured on the G.O.O.D. "Cruel Summer" mixtape;  he bashfully replied inferring he might be on a G.O.O.D. album soon enough.  He brings Pusha T over as hes about to unveil the big news and simply says,

"If there's a Cruel Summer, then there's got to be a Cruel Winter right?" - Q-Tip

Kanye definitely seems to have his hands full with projects.  But like any good marketer knows you have to constantly be making new material and creating new outlets to remain relevant and on top.  And these little teaser hints given by Kanye's entourage only perpetuate more hype around his upcoming projects.  I would be curious to see what other hints will be leaked about this time goes on.  Possibly a twitter photo of him a Jay back in the studio?  A snippet of a new song released on his tumblr?  Only time will tell as the anticipation for these next albums build.  Well keep you posted - 


Video of Q-Tip at the BET Awards unveiling "Cruel Winter":

Get More: Music News

-Daniel Dresser

Source:
http://goo.gl/LaaMb (MTV News Cruel Winter article)
http://goo.gl/KLJAg (Huffington Post Watch the Throne 2 article)

Just a quick follow up...

So Kanye still hasn't tweeted anything since I last posted (a week ago). Personally, I still believe he's up to something. Maybe his career is finally over and he has nothing to speak about. *Kanye shrug* lol

Well, since you took the time to read this, I'll go ahead and educate you real quick. Lets talk about ways you can use twitter as a marketing tool. Entrepreneur.com has put together a list of five ways to use Twitter for Marketing that you might not know about, that can help you reach any audience (click here for the full article).

1. Use advanced search options to locate opportunities.
2. Tweet often to boost search-engine optimization.
3. Connect with media.
4. Reach people on mobile phones.
5. Change link headlines every time you tweet them to boost traffic.


These points are most helpful in the marketing research phase. Lets say we worked for Kanye and wanted to know what was being said about him, we can search his name to find out who is saying what. Then say we find lots of people are wondering why he hasn't released any music lately, here is an opportunity! We now know what people are looking for. Once some music is ready to be released, Kayne will tweet so his fans know where to download his music (link should be in the tweet to make it most effective!). Recap: Twitter helped us find an opportunity, and provided a free way to tell our consumers there wishes have been answered. Gotta love Twitter!!!

The New Kim and Kanye Clothing Line

I was reading about kim and kanye recently and found that they were considering launching their own line together. Kim Kardashian is already known fashion icon as well as Kanye West. There is news that Kanye not be attending this year's fashion week in Paris because in 2011  the critiques did not take  his line seriosuly infact they don't believe Kanye will ever make it in the fasion industry. Dating Kim may be a good advantage for his line because she has a line between her and the other Kardashian sisters Kloe and Kourtney called the Kardashian Kollection which has been doing very well...................................................................
They also own a boutique in California called D-A-S-H.............................................
Hopefully their line makes a better impression at the next fashion week in Paris...

 

Nikia Trapp

IMAGE FOUND HEREhttp://preview.tinyurl.com/9fr97c6
Source found at this site http://tinyurl.com/9a4972c

"BE BACK SOON"

That was all Kanye tweeted Oct 4th after deleting all prior tweets....

True to his word, Oct 5th Kanye was back, but only to pay homage to Steve Jobs. For the past few days Kanye has stayed quiet on twitter. Hasn't tweeted one word. But what does this mean? Why is he doing this?

As an artist, Mr. West is known for using his twitter account to publicize his upcoming events and share with the world what ever is on his mind. I believe whatever his next tweet will say will definitely be something worth waiting for. It may be an announcement about his music, maybe his relationship with Kim, hopefully something about the presidential candidates, but I know whatever is said will be done in classic Yeezy fashion.

Mr. West's Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kanyewest


Erin R.

Kanye West sued for "Sampling" songs

It's the not the first time it happens, apparently "Yizzy" has beeen sued in the past by other artist for sampling particular hooks and slings of thier original songs.

Mr. West's record label Roc-A-Fella claims to have paid licensing fees for the usage of songs from artist such as Eddie Bo. According to Bo's record label, Roc-A-Fella lacked the writen consesnt that binds together the agreement between the two labels.

It is perfectly clear that Kanye West lacks no originality, instead he is actually doing these artist a favor by not allowing their music to go completely extinct. Up until today, I had no clue who Eddie Bo was!

All Kanye is attempting to do is be creative in his music, by graving a small piece of the past and making it dated and hip.

Maybe these artist should cut kanye a check, for actually listening to their music!



http://tinyurl.com/9xx47hw


Fernando Navarrete

"Man With The Iron Fist" is a new kung-fu movie starring RZA, Russell Brand and Lucy Liu.

They are going to use one of kanye's songs in the film called "White Dress". The title has brought up questions about his relationship with Kim and if they might be planning a wedding soon.  RZA says that Kanye did not mention actually getting married any time soon. The movie will be in theaters on November 2, and you can buy the soundtrack to hear Kanye's new song on October 23.

Source found at http://tinyurl.com/92gj74c 

you can find this photo at http://tinyurl.com/8udp5h3

Nikia Trapp

Kayne's Marketing Manager Quits After 3 Days

Crazy right? But yes, Kanye's marketing /pr advisor quit after only 3 days claiming she couldn't deal with his crazy antics. Let me start here, this was back in 2005 (I know...not current at all, but still funny to me) when Mr. West made the statement about Bush not liking black people. The today show asked Kanye to appear regarding his statement, and his new PR woman declined their offer (mind you, this is her 2nd day on the job!). Here's the best part! Guess who shows up to do the show the next morning -__-. Kanye's advisor rushes to the Today studios in NYC to debrief him on what to say regarding his ealier statement. During the live interview, Kayne ignored everything his advisor coached him on and continued to say whatever he felt, which could have put his career in jeopardy. Either way, his advisor said there was no point in her being there and working for him if he wasn't going to listen to her input, and she quit that very same day. Here's the interview....I wish we could have heard the responses she wanted him to give LOL

Breaking Internet News: Kanye West Sex Tape Scandal?

Latest celebrity news was just released today claiming that not one but TWO homemade sex tapes of the rapper Mr. Kanye West have been stolen from his computer and are now being auctioned online to the highest bidder.  Allegedly bids have already been coming in and Sex.com has been rumored to offer $5 million for the set of tapes.  Kanye's lawyers already released statements saying that this was stolen from Kanyes personal computer and anyone who leaks this video is in direct violation of his right of privacy.

As far as what sex.com had to say about their bold offer?
-“Sex.com sees Mr. West as much more than a rapper. He is a cultural icon, responsible for setting trends in music and fashion. Sex.com feels that these sex-tapes are not only an exclusive look into the star’s intimate life but could also contain the same Midas touch Mr. West brings to all his projects.”

Its interesting to see how much people are willing to pay to get their hands on ANYTHING Kanye West does.  Based on the statement above and the substantial amount of money being offered for these alleged sex tapes, this site recognizes Kanye's influence on today's culture and internet presence.  As i searched for News on Kanye, just today this article was worded and reworded on at least 20 different gossip websites.  Were trying to observe Kanye and how he ties into E-Marketing; and coincidentally this whole controversy involves computers and the internet.  From where the tapes were stolen from, to how they are being shopped around for by an anonymous third party, and even to how i discovered the scandal in the first place; through a simple google search with just one word, "Kanye".  Theres no denying the buzz that surrounds this man but once again the question still remains, will this hurt Kanye? or once again will he weather the storm and prove Sex.com right, that Kanye does infact have the "Midas Touch."  More after the jump.

-Daniel Dresser

Source:
TMZ: http://goo.gl/IIKwj
The Grio: http://goo.gl/As2S3

There has been talk that Beyonce had issue with Kim and kanye's realtionship. 
But what is it about kim that Beyonce doesnt like. I read that wasnt impressed with the way Kim is seen in the public eye. Beyonce is someone who takes her image very seriously. She had a conservative upbringing which was very different to Kim's," a source told The Sun. "Bey's never been impressed by her record with men and the sex tape that leaked a few years ago."
The source also made mention of her72-day marriage and beyonce is married to Jay Zclose friend of kanye. Kanye thinks different about his realtionship to Kim and calls Kim his "Beyonce". Kanye says, "if I don't say something in a rap or on Twitter, it's not true".
 She and Kim both tagged along with Jay-Z and Kanye on their Watch the Throne UK tour from May 18 to June 22 but I'm sure Beyonce still feels the same. Nikia T

Kanye West releases an exclusive video to Black Entertainment Television (BET) on the new album "Cruel Summer", were he features G.O.O.D music, an group of talented artist taking Rap/Hip-Hop to the next level.

He gives tyhe audience a preview of what the album is expected to be, and the idea behind his new concept of music.

Big name artist included in this album are: Common, John Legend, 2 Chainz, Q Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, and many others.

Briefly, Common and Pusha T talk about what it is like to collaborate and work with Kanye West on an album.


http://tinyurl.com/8moh6m2








Fernando Navarrete

Money in the Music Industry??????

With the all the recent advances in technology, I've been trying to figure out how artist are still making so much money (or at least in their videos they appear to). Well of couse artist like Kayne have multiple endorsement deals that provide nice sums of cash. But as a MUSICIAN, how much of his income really comes from the music he makes?

In high school, I had Kayne's first two ablums, College Dropout and Late Registration, both were burned disc my cousin made for me. As a metter of fact, her were burned as well. So thats about $40 Kanye DID NOT generate from his cd sales. With music being so easy to download these days, theres no reason to go to Target to buy cds anymore. In fact, there no reason to go buy blank cds either, you can download all kinds of music straight to your phone.

Now lets go back for a second and pretend we did downloaded the music legally, from iTunes for example. How much would Kayne actually make since his music would be sold through a third party vendor? I found some interesting information online which claims Apple would get approxiamately 37% percent of an online music sale, the recording company would make about 53% off that sale......and Kanye....10%. Basically he would need to sell 12,399 songs a month to the same as a McDonald's employee. Still want to be a rapper? Thought not.

I do believe artist have recognized there is not that much return on actual music sales and have decided to give their music to their fans for free. There are websites like datpiff.com and hotnewhiphop.com where one can go and download entire mixtapes for free. I believe the artist encourage this because they know their fans will be more likely to listen to it, and anticipate and album they may actually go pay for.

Erin R. 

Source: http://tinyurl.com/99lpoyc

Kanye West is in the lead for 17 nominations this year at the BET HIP HOP awards 2012. His last album was realeased back in 2010, but Kanye has collaborted with Jay-Z on their last album "Watch the Throne". As a producer, performer and director, there is no question to why he is being nominated for Hustler of the Year, CD Of the Year, Best Club Banger, Impact Track, Lyricist of the Year, Best Hip-Hop Video and Perfect Combo Award along with the nominations of Producer of the Year and Video Director of the Year. he isnt throwing in the towel anytime soon especially not with competition like Drake who is also up for a few nominations as well. Kanye has proved himself over the years to be where he is today in the music industry. i am sure he'll be going home with a few awards this year. mike Epps is returningas the host this year being the fourth time he has hosted. Chris Lighty who commited sucide earlier this year will be honored during the show. He was once the manger of artist such as Mariah Carey, Sean "Diddy" Combs and 50 Cent. The Show airs October 9th on BET.                                                                           Nikia T